Salvatore Ferragamo S/S 2018

Scene setting: For the first time in years, Salvatore Ferragamo changed up its show location, moving from inside the Borsa Italiana to an outdoor catwalk just outside of the historic Italian stock exchange, where a middle finger statue by Maurizio Cattelan looms large. The artist’s L.O.V.E. (2010) sculpture sat in stark contrast to the romantic show setting, with soft grass underfoot and a raised Perspex catwalk.

Mood board: Salvatore Ferragamo design director Fulvio Rigoni was inspired by glamourous female icons like Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot. This manifested itself in a diverse and sophisticated collection made up of dresses shimmering with sequins cut in exotic skins, fringed or transparent skirts, flared jumpsuits, knits with oversized stitching and sexy swimming costumes.

Finishing touches: It was the second collection for Paul Andrew, Ferragamo’s recently minted design director of women’s footwear. The shoemaker imagined the grosgrain-style petal heels from his debut in newer heights for S/S 2018. Andrew also updated the sporty sock boot he presented last season, swapping its knit material for weaved leather.